Highlights: St Johnstone win Scottish Championship

St Johnstone ensured an immediate return to the Scottish Premiership, wrapping up the Championship title with two games to spare after a 2-0 win away to Dunfermline Athletic.

The Perth side led from the opening weekend of the season when they beat closest rivals Partick Thistle 5-1.

"We set the standard from day one and we stayed there," a delighted captain Jason Holt told BBC Scotland.

"Fair play to other teams putting pressure on us, but we knew we were the best team in the league.

"To bounce back at the first time of asking, I'm so proud of the boys."

The victory at East End Park was St Johnstone's 20th from 34 league outings, with just three defeats along the way.

The decision to stick with head coach Simo Valakari after relegation was vindicated, with the 3,000 away fans in Fife chanting the Finn's name.

And an emotional Valakari was full of praise for his players, saying: "It was our first chance to win this league and they showed no mercy, that tells me a lot about this team.

"We played our style. It didn't matter where we were. We went to difficult places and we played out football. That's what has made us champions.

"There were some key moments. We lost at Partick Thistle in November but we stuck with our principles and our values and that day I knew we would win the league."

Experienced Holt made sure the plaudits were shared with the boss, saying of Valakari: "What you see is what you get. So much enthusiasm, so much positivity.

"As players, we go on the pitch feeling free. If you make mistakes, fine, don't worry about it. That's given us the platform to go and be successful. He's been different class."

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari SNS

Simo Valakari celebrates with his players and fans at full-time

Reece McAlear opened the scoring against the surprise Scottish Cup finalists with a deflected shot on 56 minutes, describing it as "the best feeling ever".

A great header from Ruari Paton doubled the visitors' lead, with the on-loan striker saying: "It was just a blur. I spent too much time celebrating. I was knackered after that!"

The division's top-scorer Josh McPake, who has agreed to join Hearts in the summer, rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot in the first half.

"I'm just so happy I got to play my part," he said. "I've loved my time at the club.

"It's what we've done all season that's got us to this position."

St Johnstone will get their hands on the trophy on Friday when they host Raith Rovers in front of the BBC cameras, while they end the season away to Ayr United.

Currently on 71 points, two more wins would ensure the highest tally in the decade since Rangers finished on top.

"I'm just so glad we got the job done," added Holt. "Now we can enjoy Friday with our families, savour it and soak it all in."

American owner Adam Webb then added: "We've had the depths of relegation and now we have this beautiful moment with so many wonderful St Johnstone fans here.

"We may not be the biggest club, but we've got the biggest hearts of all the clubs in Scotland.

"We need to grow sustainably, five to 10% each year. If we can build consistently, we will get there. We've got the right coach, the right head of football (Gus MacPherson) and we've got the right community behind us."

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